Watches aimed at frequent travelers come in many shapes and forms. Some simply feature a second time zone, while others incorporate additional complications like a chronograph or full calendar. In recent years, we have seen a strong increase in watches offering complications aimed very specifically at the needs of the traveler. In 2012, Glashütte Original presented the Senator Grande Cosmopolite Tourbillon, but this year it was time for a more “mainstream” version of the watch.

Read “mainstream” as in no tourbillon or perpetual calendar. Instead, Glashütte Original included a power reserve indicator and large sub-seconds. The latter, in particular, makes me very happy. Yes, tourbillons are great, but for me, a large a sub-seconds indication is a requirement on any product from Glashütte. Combined with the signature large date, and the local time displayed by large, blued hands, this is a classical and easy-to-read watch – exactly what you need when on the road.

This watch is not only easy to read, it is easy to use. Simply turn the crown clockwise to go forward in time when heading east, and counter-clockwise to go back in time, heading west. At 8 o’clock, you will find two indicators that display the specific time zone. Not only can you display two time zones at the same time, but Glashütte Original offers 37 time zones. This includes the 24 time zones that differ whole hours from each other, as well as the remaining 13 that differ half and even quarter hours. Glashütte Original indicates time zones by their International Air Transport Association (IATA) location codes, such as JFK or LAX for the U.S. Eastern and Pacific time zones. Next to the time zone indicator is a second window that tells whether the time zone is currently in Daylight Savings Time (DST) or Standard Time (STD).

By integrating the power reserve indicator in the sub-dial for the second timezone at 12 o’clock, the watch maintains a clean, unobstructed look. A day and night indicator for the current time zone is practical, and it adds a nostalgic feel. All of these displays are clearly visible through the domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on both sides.

The new caliber 89-02 is a typical Glashütte delight, with its offset rotor and beautiful engraved balance cock. The power reserve is a generous 72 hours.

Glashütte Original currently offers this 44mm watch in white or red gold, and we expect it to become a favorite in First Class in no time!